German CDU proposes partial ban on part‑time work In a move that could reshape Germany’s labour market, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is preparing a motion to restrict part‑time employment to parents with children in care, carers of elderly relatives and trainees. The proposal, slated for discussion at the party’s next convention in Stuttgart, is backed by Friedrich Merz and business wing leader Gitta Connemann. Critics inside the party and trade unions, including Dennis Radtke of CDU’s Social wing and Christiane Benner of IG Metall, argue that the measure would trap many workers who cannot move to full‑time jobs because of inflexible employers and inadequate care services. Data from the IAB show that Germany’s part‑time rate topped 40 % in 2025, with 76 % of part‑time workers being women - a pattern shared by the UK and France. The OECD warns that poor integration of women and older people into the workforce hurts the economy.

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